Wabash Center Hosts Open House, Ribbon Cutting

May 7, 2008

The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion will celebrate the opening of its new home with an open house and ribbon cutting this weekend. Founded in 1996 by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Wabash Center has become internationally recognized for its service to theology and religion faculty in colleges, graduate schools, and seminaries.

Housed in Wabash College’s historic Hovey Cottage since its founding, the Wabash Center has moved into a 4,000 square-foot office and conference facility to better meet the needs of over 150 scholars who attend workshops and consultations on the Wabash campus each year.

The new facility is situated on the southeast end of the Wabash College campus on South Grant Avenue directly across from the Fine Arts Center. An open house is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at which time staff will give tours of the building and discuss the Wabash Center’s programs. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening, May 11. The public is cordially invited to attend.

"The new Wabash Center building gives us new space for conversations and work," said Wabash Center Director Nadine Pence (left). "The design brings under one roof our resource, work, and classroom space, as well as making it possible to have occasional meals and receptions."

The one-story, L-shaped building has been designed with hospitality as its centerpiece, owing to the long-standing Wabash Center tradition of welcoming scholars from across the United States and Canada. In addition to four offices for Wabash Center professional staff, the building includes a 25-seat conference room; two smaller breakout meeting rooms; space for five administrative staff; a large, open reception area; and a kitchen. The most striking feature of the new Wabash Center building is its semi-circular patio and garden area, through which visitors will walk as they enter the new facility.

"This new building is a wonderful conversation and work space for the many visiting faculty who come to the Wabash campus each year," said Pence. "Its design is open and inviting; the building material is warm and receptive."

Created and sustained by grants from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion seeks to strengthen and enhance education in North American theological schools, colleges and universities. The Center helps build enabling environments for good teaching and learning through workshops and conferences, grant-making, and consultants’ program. These programs support the initiatives of faculty and institutions that enhance the teaching of theology and religion, allowing for thoughtful reflection on the vocation of teaching.

Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Architects designed the new facility.

For more information on the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and its programs, contact Director Nadine S. Pence at by email or by phone at 800-655-7117. Learn more about the mission and programs of the Wabash Center.